Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe today (estimated at over 12 million). But over the past 20 years, they have been caught in a downward spiral of profound social exclusion and economic marginalization. To make matters worse, since 2007, there has been an escalation of violence against Roma, including by sniper fire, Molotov cocktail attacks, and anti-Roma rioting. Anti-Roma political discourse may further inflame an already combustible situation.

This hearing will examine the factors contributing to the escalation of violence in the region, the potential risks for countries that fail to bring this phenomenon under control, and recommendations for steps to counter these human rights violations.

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent agency of the Federal Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 56 countries. The Commission consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.